Tag Archives: windows update

Windows Defender is a antivirus software product that strives to detect and remove malware.

At first, it was released as an antispyware program as a free download for Windows XP. It shipped with Windows Vista and now comes standard with Windows 10 with antivirus capabilities.

Windows Defender is an application that once installed, runs in the background and lets you know when you need to take specific actions.

One of the best features of Windows Defender, however, is the ability to use it anytime to scan for malware. Most people use this feature if their computer isn’t working correctly, of if they suspect a link online or on an email.

Windows Defender replaced Windows Security Essentials and is truly a great antivirus tool for a PC to have, but it’s only as good as you make it. The main reasons for frequent Windows Defender updates is that the program is essentially useless without them!

Reasons for Frequent Windows Defender Updates

Whenever you update Windows Defender, definitions of known spyware and other potentially harmful software get updated on your computer.

As you should well known, spyware is continuously changing shape and being updated. Your computer must also be constantly updated so that it can recognize security threats.

A failure to update any type of antivirus software on a regular basis is unnecessarily exposing your computer to virus problems.

As alluded to previously, reasons for frequent windows defender updates include supporting two of Window’s Defenders best features:

Microsoft Edge makes it so files can be scanned as they’re being downloaded to prevent malicious software being installed on your computer.

Unfortunately at this time, it doesn’t integrate with other web browsers, but can still scan downloaded fills for malware.

As with most antivirus protection programs, you can make it easy to install updates. Update your settings to download updates in the background or to remind you at a certain time each day to focus on downloading updates.

To get the most out of Windows Defender, don’t use it in addition to another antivirus program. In fact, Microsoft warns that if you want to use a different antivirus software from another provider, you should uninstall this program.

At the end of the day, antivirus software will help extend the life of your computer much longer than without! Get in touch by calling (440)725-0642 or fill out our online contact form and we can help make sense of what’s going on with your computer right now, and how to protect it from further harm.

When regular computer maintenance doesn’t occur, you may begin to notice a decline in system performance.

Regular computer maintenance is crucial to keeping your system running smoothly, quickly, and protecting it against unwanted security threats.

In this short guide, we will review a few regular computer maintenance basics you can easily perform on your PC.

Keeps Windows Updated

For nearly two decades, Microsoft has been keeping us notified of important system updates. In fact, you may see the Windows Update icon pop up in your system tray advising you of recommended updates.

To ensure reliable and secure system performance, it is best that you install all updates Microsoft recommends. In fact, you would be wise to enable automatic updates to prevent missing anything critical.

Keep Your Security Software Updated

If not, be sure to invest in name brand security software. This is an important step in regular computer maintenance, as malicious security threats are easier to prevent than remove.

Make sure that your security software is running at all times, especially while you’re browsing the web or using any other internet-based applications.

Most security software will include automatic updates; however, to be on the safe side, it is a good idea to double check weekly that your software is up-to-date.

Keep Your Applications Updated

Many popular software applications, such as Skype and iTunes, will issue frequent updates. Although these updates are sometimes for functional reasons, they often contain security updates, as well.

If an application prompts you to update it, do so without delay.

You may otherwise find yourself at risk for various viruses or security threats.

Uninstall Unused Applications

If you have installed an application, and you no longer use it, be sure to uninstall it. This is also a good idea for any expired demos, trials, or preloaded software that came with your PC at the time of purchase.

Regular computer maintenance is as much about protecting your system against malicious threats as it is keeping clear of clutter. Each installed application adds entries to your system registry, which can lead to performance problems over time.

Also, your web browser stores temporary files, cookies, and other content that wastes precious disk space. Be sure to clear your history and cache from time to time for optimal system performance.

Defragment Your Hard Drive

Although most of us know that regularly defragmenting a hard drive will lead to improved system speeds, most people do not do it regularly.

In some cases, your Windows operating system may automatically do this for you each week. Still, if you don’t remember manually initiating a defragmentation in recent history, you would be wise to ensure it has happened.

Defragmenting your hard drive is an important part of regular computer maintenance as it streamlines the files on your hard drive, making them quicker and easier to read and access.

If you are diligent about regularly performing updates and other computer maintenance, yet you still find your PC to be sluggish, it may be time to get a professional opinion.

Contact or call the team at Target PC Repair at (440) 725-0642 to discuss the system challenges you are experiencing.